Reclamation of 29 Landfills Achieved in Uzbekistan

In 2024, the Uzbek Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change announced the rehabilitation of 29 landfills for solid domestic waste (SDW) covering a total area of 81.2 hectares in Uzbekistan. These landfills were situated in nine regions of the country.

The rehabilitation work was conducted following a decree from Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev aimed at modernising the waste management system. This initiative includes plans to reclaim 167 landfills, encompassing over 1,100 hectares.

The recultivation of landfills and restoration of soil cover contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimising fire risks, and decreasing water and air pollution.

As of early 2024, 198 landfills are still operational in Uzbekistan. The overcrowded and outdated landfills are gradually being replaced with modern facilities for waste processing. Eight large incineration plants are planned for construction in the republic.

However, some household and construction waste continues to accumulate in illegal dumps. By December 2024, Uzbekcosmos reported the discovery of approximately 2,000 such sites.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that plastic packaging producers will soon be required to recycle their products.